Finnish Paddlers to Take on the Emajõgi in a Week’s Time

Text Timo Raussi
Photo Loodusturism.ee / Rando Kall

One of Estonia’s longest-running paddling and rowing events, the Emajõgi Marathon, will take place for the 44th time next Saturday, 12 September. Although the Võhandu Marathon, held each spring since 2006, is Estonia’s best-known competition thanks to its 100-kilometre route and more than 2,000 participants, the event travelling from Lake Võrtsjärv to Tartu has retained its position as a respected autumn tradition.

The Emajõgi Marathon is open to both competitive and recreational paddlers and rowers. Participants can choose from three distances—56, 37, and 17 kilometres—and can take part in their respective categories by kayak, canoe, SUP board or rowing boat. The longest route starts in Jõesuu on the northeastern shore of Lake Võrtsjärv, the middle-distance route begins in Reku, and the shortest starts in Kärevere. All categories share a common finish beside the Lodjakoda centre in Tartu.

The event’s organisational and competition centre moves during the day in step with the progress of the race. Before 9:00, it operates at the starting area in Jõesuu, later moving to Reku and Kärevere before transferring to the finish area in Tartu for the afternoon. Competitors are largely responsible for arranging their own transport to the starting points, but the organiser, the Estonian Canoeing Federation, also offers pre-bookable paid transport for both paddlers and their equipment. At the finish line, participants are welcomed with a medal, hot soup, a warm sauna and a red carpet leading to the medal presentation and photo backdrop.

The Estonian Canoeing Federation has not actively marketed this charming event, involving around a hundred canoes and boats, internationally. However, word has spread through social media and among Võhandu Marathon participants. As a result, Finnish paddlers will also be taking to the route next week. The current list of registered participants includes at least the kayaking pair Jussi Wallin and Hannu Kaukola, as well as individual paddlers Ilkka Ritvos and Miska Nummela in the main-distance event. Registration is still open here. The participation fee is €35 per person, or €30 for members of a paddling club.

Tartu is easy to reach from Finland, making the Emajõgi Marathon an attractive option for those who would like to try an international river race without spending a long time travelling. Taking part is made even easier by several companies operating in the Tartu region, including Vooluga kaasa and Loodusturism.ee, which offer canoe or boat rental, including transport services for those who need them. More information about the marathon is available on the official results and information page and on Facebook.

To learn more about this and similar topics
Competition Emajõgi Marathon events paddling recreational sport river adventure river paddling rowing